Not all of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s signings worked out at Manchester United. But Alejandro Garnacho, who joined the club from Atletico Madrid back in the summer of 2020, looks like he’s going to be a superstar. Erik ten Hag is beginning to coax the best from the 18-year-old, who dazzled in their 4-2 Carabao Cup victory over Aston Villa on Thursday night.
Back in 2020, United made several signings.
Donny van de Beek arrived from Ajax, with the Netherlands international previously looking set for a move to Real Madrid before rocking up at Old Trafford.
Edinson Cavani was drafted in on a free transfer, with the Uruguay international touching down as an alternative to Jadon Sancho – who had been their main objective.
Alex Telles was recruited from Porto to challenge Luke Shaw for a starting berth, Facundo Pellistri was signed out of the blue and a deal for Amad was agreed as well.
Going under the radar, however, was United’s capture of Garnacho.
The Argentine had an offer to join Borussia Dortmund but, wanting to follow in the same footsteps as his idol Cristiano Ronaldo, he opted to go to the Premier League instead.
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In the time since, Garnacho has made a big impression – both at youth and senior level.
He propelled United to FA Youth Cup glory back in May, scoring a brace in their 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
That earned him a debut under Ralf Rangnick, with Garnacho making his bow in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea back in April.
And while he angered Ten Hag with his conduct on the club’s pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand, he’s since started to come good.
Garnacho was impressive on his first start for United against Sheriff and followed that display up with an impressive performance in their 1-0 win over Real Sociedad.
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Yet while he was quiet against Aston Villa on Sunday, he was outstanding against the same opponents on Thursday.
While Garnacho was signed by Solskjaer, he could actually end up being a present from the Norwegian if he continues to perform at the current rate.
And it’s Ten Hag who is now the man entrusted with the responsibility of getting Garnacho to live up to his vast potential.
Next up for United is a trip to Fulham on Sunday.
The Cottagers have been punching above their weight in the Premier League this season and sit just four points behind the Red Devils in the table.
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But United, with Garnacho fully firing, will fancy their chances of leaving with all three points to their name.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag did bring his No 49 crashing down to earth by saying the Argentine still has much to learn.
“It was good that he came on and showed that performance and had that impact in the game, to be able to assist, make the dribbles and run behind,” he said.
“He still has things to learn but quite obviously we are happy with his development and he can contribute to the team. It depends on his approach, his attitude.
“When he keeps working then yes, it is possible [for him to play more]. He wants to improve every day. He has to do the right things in his lifestyle. He has the capability.”
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And Stuart Pearce has backed Ten Hag for making it clear Garnacho isn’t the finished article just yet.
“This kid is 18 years old,” he said. “In my generation, I would have been told by a senior player, not the manager.
“Maybe not in the media but we weren’t as exposed as the young players are nowadays.
“I think that if it has the desired effect it’s for his own good and own benefit.
“Don’t feel sorry for him, this could be the best life lesson that he ever has.”
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